posted November 06, 2011 05:19 PM            

ATTENTION: This site will go down this weekend.
The decision to not continue with this site was a difficult one to make. This decision is solely due to what's happening in my life and does NOT mean that black dog syndrome no longer exists.

I am very thankful for the success of this site and for the education it has provided and for the lives of many precious dogs that have been saved over the last year. I hope that word about black dog syndrome will continue to spread.

The black dog walk pack in Ogden, Utah continues to do amazing work. This group of volunteers are an inspiration to me and I am amazed at what they have accomplished this last year. To follow their work, please follow them on Facebook.com - search for Black Dog Walk

Why Black Dogs?

For those involved with dog rescue organizations and shelters, Black Dog Syndrome is a very real phenomenon. Rescues and shelters around the country know that black dogs are the last to be adopted and among the first to be euthanized. According to the National Council on Pet Population, approximately 3-4 million dogs are euthanized each year. Dog rescue statistics provide hard data for a problem that rescue voluteers already understand. Any dog that enters a shelter is faced with an uphill battle and more often than not, a grim future.

15% of dogs are fortunate to be reunited with their owners.

Nearly 60% of dogs that enter shelters are euthanized.

Only 25% of dogs entering a shelter are lucky enough to be adopted.

There are no statistics available on how many black dogs are euthanized, but we know that more black dogs are euthanized than dogs with other coat colors.
The black dog is the underdog of all rescue dogs. Maybe they don't photograph as well as lighter colored dogs. Maybe it is because Hollywood teaches us that black always represents the bad guy. Maybe it is because many of the larger breeds that tend to end up in shelters and rescues are predominately black. Whatever the reason, placing a black dog in a local shelter is usually a death sentence.

Our Mission

I've always been one to root for the underdog. By raising awareness about Black Dog Syndrome, we can help the underdogs of the rescue dog world. Black Dog Rescue Project will help save the lives of black dogs in Utah by providing medical care and finding homes for dogs on "death row". We will help all rescue dogs through education and awareness. We will make the world a better place for black dogs. We will do so, one dog, one owner and one dollar at a time.

Dogs and Me

Black Dog Rescue Project was created in honor of the many dogs in my life. I was born a dog person. The places I've been, the tragedies and triumphs and the dogs that have crossed my path. Each milestone has been defined by the dog at my side. My life story is forever intertwined with dogs. I've gained great knowledge after many decades of dog ownership and involvement with dog rescue. Each dog has taught me great lessons. Each dog has given me so much more than I was ever able to give back. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to give better futures to some of the millions of dogs waiting for the homes and love they deserve.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Most of the photos found at Black Dog Rescue Project were taken by my daughters and me at Utah area shelters. Other than the specific theme related photo on each page, the black dogs are all homeless shelter dogs. The photos are our way of giving the dogs a voice. We hope that you will "listen" to them.

By scattering the photos throughout the site, we have created a virtual shelter for you to "walk" through. As you explore the pages found at Black Dog Rescue Project you will begin to understand the enormity of the problem.

How to Help

Right now there is a dog that is sitting in a cage hoping for a second chance and someone to love. Maybe you can open your heart and your home to one of these dogs. If so, the information found here will give you the knowledge you need to find and rescue the right dog for you. If you are a dog lover, but don't have the time or space for another dog right now, there are still many ways you can help. Use the information at Black Dog Rescue Project to educate yourself on the plight of the black rescue dog. Understand the abuse that many dogs endure. Grasp the enormity of the dog overpopulation problem. Tell your friends about the millions of dogs waiting for homes. Tell your family about the types of abuse some dogs are faced with. Look for warning signs and help a dog in need. I hope that the pages found here will inspire you to help make the world a better place for all dogs.

Spread the word... Save a Life!

posted August 01, 2012 04:35 PM            

For anyone looking to adopt, don't overlook the dark and handsome (or pretty) ones!

posted August 02, 2012 03:33 AM            

Black cats are also treated the same or considered "evil". Sigh.

posted August 02, 2012 03:33 AM            

Black cats are also treated the same or considered "evil". Sigh.

posted August 02, 2012 03:44 AM            

Has anyone heard of white dogs being more aggressive? Because someone who worked as a vet assistant told me this once- that they have shorter tempers. Not just albinos, but all white dogs...